Bhatkal

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Bhatkal (Kannada:ಭಟ್ಕಳ, Urdu:بھٹکل, Arabic: بهتكل) is also known as Batecala in some historical text especially in Portuguese history. Bhatkal is a port town in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. The town lies on NH-17 running between Mumbai and Mangalore. Bhatkal is one of the major stations along the Konkan Railway line running between Mumbai and Mangalore.The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport.Old name:-Abad Qila

History

By virtue of its strategic location, Bhatkal has a chequered history. Bhatkal witnessed the rise and fall of several dynasties and rulers. A part of Hoysala empire in 1291 to 1343, Bhatkal later fell into the hands of the Vijayanagara empire. After the disintegration of the empire, the Saluva (Jain) rulers of Hadwalli (a town on the State Highway towards Jog Falls) brought this coveted town under their control. Many temples and basadis were constructed during this period. Vestiges of this period can be found in Mudbhatkal, where a few temples of that era still stand.

Chola emperors under Aditya I, his son Parantaka I and successor Sundara Chola also known as Paranta Chola II initially inavaded and conquered territories in the Kannada country between Gangavadi on the Mysore plateau and Bhatkal on the Sahyadri coast 880-975 AD. The Cholas invaded Bhatkal during 10th century. As a sign of their victory in Kannada country, they built Solesvara Temple,...
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